The Celebrity Xcel has arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, introducing seven all-new experiences designed to offer guests endless possibilities for their dream vacation. The fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises' revolutionary Edge Series, the Celebrity Xcel was created with input from travelers around the world through the Xcel Dream Makers program, in which participants played a key role in defining many elements of the vacation experience, from dining to entertainment.
“With each new ship, we raise the bar for the ultimate vacation experience, and Celebrity Xcel is in a class of its own,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “With its innovative design, sophisticated style, and distinctive hospitality, the arrival of Celebrity Xcel sets a new industry standard and adds to our collection of experiences that transform the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”
“Celebrity Xcel was thoughtfully designed with our guests in mind, to be the happy place for travelers around the world,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “From the seven new spaces guests can enjoy, to the innovative Xcel Dream Makers program, in which our guests directly influenced the ship’s features, Celebrity Xcel lives up to its name in every way.”
On board the Celebrity Xcel, guests will find endless new ways to relax and explore:
• The Bazaar: an unparalleled transformative experience at sea
A three-level space that changes daily, blurring the lines between ship and destination. The Bazaar offers new ways to connect with the places visited through food, activities, and live music. It includes two destination-inspired restaurants—Mosaic and Spice Café—The Market featuring local artisanal products, four themed festivals based on the itinerary, and unforgettable entertainment.
• Bora: a rooftop restaurant inspired by the Mediterranean
With panoramic ocean views, Bora transports guests to the Mediterranean coast. By day, it offers a lively brunch featuring Mediterranean-inspired classics, favorite dishes, and a Bloody Mary bar considered the best at sea. In the evening, tableside chef creations, sharing plates, and a musical ambiance of Greek ballads and Italian love songs create an unforgettable experience.
• Celebrity Pool Club: a new standard in poolside experiences
It offers valet pool service with chilled towels, card games, sunscreen, and storage for personal belongings. Its contemporary design includes more shaded areas. Guests can opt for a VIP experience in private cabanas with dedicated service.
• Attic at The Club: 24/7 adult game room
Illuminated with neon lights, it offers a nostalgic experience with retro games like Pac-Man, NBA Showtime, and Golden Tee. It also features pool tables, darts, foosball, and shuffleboard for creating memories with new and old friends.
• Celebrity Flagship: Celebrity Cruises' first flagship store
A combination museum and interactive store that celebrates everything about the brand. It includes screens with trivia and fun facts, historical artifacts, vintage items, and a variety of products customizable through engraving, embroidery, or printing. It also offers exclusive products only available at Celebrity Xcel.
• The largest spa in Celebrity Cruises history
It includes the first Hydra Room, the latest of eight therapeutic experiences in the Thermal Suite, focused on aquatic wellness. In addition, the new Vitamin D Deck, an open-air space with expansive views from the bow, allows guests to enjoy the sea breeze in a relaxing setting, accompanied by complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.
• More entertainment than ever
With three new shows in the theater, two interactive shows at The Club, new dance parties, activities, live music and surprises, guests will have options for every mood.
All these new experiences were defined by the Xcel Dream Makers, a global community of travelers who tested, evaluated and voted for the innovations that are now on board the Xcel, including key decisions in gastronomy, interior design and entertainment.
Celebrity Xcel is currently sailing its inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, with seven-night itineraries alternating between the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In the summer of 2026, the ship will begin its first European season with 7- to 11-night routes from Barcelona and Athens, including new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.
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